COFACC brings recognition for Foundation’s humanitarian efforts
HOUSTON, Texas — On June 1, 2023, at its first annual convention, the Coalition of Filipino American Chambers of Commerce (COFACC) honored Felix Y. Manalo (FYM) Foundation and the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo Manalo, with a Humanitarian Award, for the INC’s global humanitarian efforts in recent years.
COFACC is a 36-member organization of Filipino American business leaders and professionals across the United States, which, according to its founding president Gerry Palon, aims to address the basic needs and recognition of Filipino Americans that are sometimes forgotten, misrepresented, or underrepresented. He stated that COFACC has “community outreach programs that we extend to the families of the communities we serve. We are trying to address the needs of all our kababayan [countrymen] here.”
In its unwavering dedication to support organizations and the communities they serve, the FYM Foundation presented COFACC a $20,000 donation, to assist in their efforts and initiatives, especially to Filipino Americans throughout the United States.
FYM Foundation Vice President in the U.S., Brother Jun Pagaduan added, “We are confident that the monetary donation from the FYM Foundation to COFACC will be beneficial to our Filipino countrymen in this part of the world.”
In recognition of the FYM Foundation’s efforts, Philippine Consulate General of Houston, Texas Jerril Santos remarked, “The FYM has been doing a really good, good job in helping the needy… There is no other organization that I know of that has done this significant contribution towards the betterment of society.”
The audience, through a video presentation, was able to learn more about the global efforts of the FYM Foundation. “The biggest thing I was surprised about was the worldwide reach. The fact that it reaches here in the U.S. is a very admirable goal. They don’t discriminate. They help wherever help is needed,” stated Dr. Jo Ann Antenor, Vice-President of Finance for the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Southern Colorado. “I think that’s very Christ-driven and purposeful, and I respect that,” she concluded.
The FYM Foundation conducts Care For Humanity events across North America, providing direct aid to hundreds of families at a time and direct donations to charitable organizations in communities. Globally, the Foundation responds with disaster relief aid while combating chronic poverty with work placement opportunities on its eco-farms, among other socio-economic lifting endeavors.
For more about the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Church) and the FYM Foundation, as well as their activities, please visit www.iglesianicristo.net.
